Lilium 'Lady Alice' is a distinctive and vigorous lily producing elegant, strongly scented flowers with creamy-white petals and a rich apricot-orange centre. The tepals curve backwards as the flowers open, creating the graceful Turk's-cap appearance inherited from its Lilium henryi parentage.

Flowering from July into August and reaching around 140cm tall, 'Lady Alice' makes an excellent architectural feature in a summer border. Mature plants can carry an impressive number of flowers on each upright stem, while the warm orange colouring and subtle spotting add depth to the otherwise pale blooms.

• Botanical name: Lilium 'Lady Alice'
• Common name: Lily 'Lady Alice'
• Plant type: Bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: Creamy white with apricot-orange centres
• Flowering time: July-August
• Height: Approximately 140cm
• Spread: Approximately 30-45cm
• Fragrance: Strongly scented
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
• Ideal for: Borders, large containers and cut flowers

About Lilium 'Lady Alice'

'Lady Alice' is an unusual hybrid lily with a strong influence from Lilium henryi. Its flowers differ noticeably from the broad, open blooms of many Oriental lilies. Instead, the tepals gradually sweep backwards, producing a refined, semi-recurved to Turk's-cap form.

The flowers are creamy white towards the tips and margins, becoming increasingly warm towards the centre. Apricot, orange and golden tones radiate from the throat, often accompanied by fine darker spotting. Long projecting stamens complete the exotic appearance.

Fragrant Summer Flowers

'Lady Alice' normally flowers during July and August, bringing both colour and fragrance to the height of summer. The flowers are carried on tall, upright stems above strong green foliage and may be produced in generous numbers once the bulbs are well established.

The combination of pale petals and warm orange centres works particularly well amongst darker foliage, ornamental grasses and richly coloured summer perennials.

Where to Plant Lilium 'Lady Alice'

Grow 'Lady Alice' in full sun or partial shade in fertile soil containing plenty of organic matter. Lilies prefer soil that remains reasonably moist during active growth but drains freely, particularly around the bulbs.

At approximately 140cm tall, this lily is best positioned towards the middle or back of a mixed border. A sheltered site is useful because the stems can become top-heavy when carrying a large number of flowers.

Planting several bulbs together creates a more substantial display while still allowing the individual flowers to retain their graceful appearance.

How to Plant Lady Alice Lily Bulbs

Plant the bulbs approximately 15cm deep, positioning the pointed growing tip upwards. Allow around 20-30cm between bulbs when planting in groups.

Lily bulbs lack the papery protective outer skin found on bulbs such as tulips, so they should be planted promptly after arrival rather than allowed to dry out.

If your soil is heavy, incorporate grit and well-rotted organic matter before planting to improve drainage and structure.

Growing Lilium 'Lady Alice' in Containers

'Lady Alice' can also be grown in a large, deep container. Use fertile, free-draining compost and choose a substantial pot that can support the plant's eventual height.

Container-grown lilies may need more frequent watering during warm weather, but the compost should never remain permanently saturated.

Height and Spread

Lilium 'Lady Alice' reaches approximately 140cm tall when mature, with a spread of around 30-45cm. Its relatively upright habit means it provides considerable height without occupying excessive ground space.

Excellent for Cut Flowers

The tall stems, elegant flowers and strong fragrance make 'Lady Alice' suitable for cutting. Cut stems as the first buds begin to open for a long-lasting display indoors.

When taking flowers for the vase, leave plenty of foliage on the plant. The remaining leaves are needed to feed the bulb and build up energy for the following year's growth.

After Flowering

Remove faded flowers if you do not require seed, but leave the stems and leaves intact until they naturally turn yellow and die back. This allows the bulb to replenish its stored energy.

In suitable conditions, the bulbs can remain in the ground permanently and should return year after year, often becoming increasingly floriferous as they establish.

Why Grow Lilium 'Lady Alice'?

• Elegant recurved, Turk's-cap-like flowers
• Creamy-white petals with rich apricot-orange centres
• Strongly fragrant
• Flowers from July into August
• Vigorous growth to around 140cm
• Spread of approximately 30-45cm
• Mature plants can carry numerous flowers
• Excellent for the middle or back of borders
• Suitable for large containers
• Superb for cutting

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Lilium 'Lady Alice' flower?
It normally flowers from July into August.

How tall does Lilium 'Lady Alice' grow?
Mature plants typically reach around 140cm tall.

What is the spread of 'Lady Alice'?
Allow approximately 30-45cm for an established plant.

What colour are the flowers?
The flowers are creamy white with warm apricot-orange to deeper orange colouring towards the centre, often accompanied by subtle spotting.

Is Lilium 'Lady Alice' fragrant?
Yes. It produces strongly scented flowers during summer.

Why do the petals curve backwards?
'Lady Alice' has Lilium henryi in its parentage, which contributes to its distinctive recurved, Turk's-cap-like flower shape.

Can 'Lady Alice' be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a large, deep and stable pot filled with fertile, free-draining compost.

Will Lilium 'Lady Alice' return every year?
Yes. It is a perennial bulb and can remain planted permanently in suitable well-drained soil.

With its recurved creamy-white petals, glowing orange centres, strong fragrance and tall vigorous habit, Lilium 'Lady Alice' is an unusual and highly attractive lily for adding height and character to the summer garden.